essentials for teaching middle school

I apologize for making you wait three unbearable weeks to hear the riveting prose of my novice attempts at being a teacher. (Does this give you any indication how busy the life of a student teacher who is simultaneously planning a wedding, taking classes towards a Master’s degree, and interning is? I need a nap…) However, since I understand the value of reflection, I’ll sacrifice a few more minutes of precious sleep to update you on my progress towards becoming a real-life, honest to goodness teacher.

At the very beginning of my education to become a teacher leader, I was asked to write down 10 statements I believe to be truths about teaching. After my first few weeks of student teaching, I feel the need to add a few and reiterate some truths on that list.

1. 8th graders do not want to be seen with the Spec Ed teacher.
Last week, one of my students was late for my class. Before she finally showed up, another student told me that the tardy student purposely arrives late to my class so as not to be seen walking into my classroom. A pull-out ELA/History classroom.
This. Is hard for me to accept. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and I believe in making genuine connections with my students, so it’s hard not to take it personally. This experience, however, has exemplified, for me, the need for inclusion in our schools. The connection I have made with this student is not enough. She feels marginalized by her placement in my class, even though I believe she is brilliant and hard-working. Because that’s not what others see when they see her walk through my doorway. I need others to know that she is bright, talented, and driven. The best way to teach them this is to teach them in the same classroom.2. Children are inherently good.
Sure, they may be annoying, or dirty, or a little strange. But they are inherently good. And if you no longer believe this, you better get out of the profession.3. Hope.
As a teacher coming into the profession during the governance of Walker, I face a lot of discouraging testimony and situations to navigate and it’s hard not to get bogged down by all of the hoops to jump through. But I can’t give up hope now. There are students who need me.4. Sometimes you have to explicitly teach social norms.
And it’s going to be awkward at first. Actually, I haven’t quite gotten to the point where it’s not awkward anymore. Updates yet to come….5. Warm, but firm.
It’s all about balance. Your students need to know that you deeply and genuinely care for them in order to for them to feel safe enough to flourish. We all know that learning hurts, and it can be embarrassing at times. Students need to feel that they are not being judged, but being encouraged to take risks. Students also need to know that you believe that they can achieve great things. Holding your students to the highest standards is important for their confidence, motivation, and future success. If you believe they can, they’ll believe they can.6. You must establish rapport and classroom expectations at the beginning of the year…and maintain them!
As a student teacher during the 2nd semester of the year, I am faced with the particular challenge of jumping in to a classroom whose routines, guidelines, and expectations are already established…and have already begun to slip. Once this happens, it is twice the work to get your classroom back to where it needs to be. I definitely don’t believe in not smiling until November, but expectations need to be clear from day one.7. There is no such thing as teaching, but being a teacher.
Teaching is not just a 9-5 job you go to each day. Being a teacher encompasses your whole being. I’ve even been having dreams (nightmares?) in which I am planning my lessons for the next day. It never stops.And neither do I. Off to school!